My family of 5 (three kids ages 8,11,15) are spending 4 nights in Siena. We are trying to decide between a day trip to Assisi or Orvieto. I was trying to do both but it appears that it might be just too much driving. Any advice on which on those destinations would pack more punch with the kids? Another question is whether the Tuscan scenery would be more striking between Siena and either of those towns as we would most likely break up the journey with another scenic stop or two. Thanks. Your input would be very appreciated!
Posted by
Fredericksburg, VA, USA
409 posts
You're right, it would be too much driving. I would head to Orvieto. The kids would like the funicular that runs up the hillside into Orvieto, and it's a great town to just wander around in. The ride from Siena to Orvieto is quite striking, and I'd suggest either / both Pienza and Montepulciano as a stop. It would break up the drive and both are scenic and kid-friendly.
Posted by
OP
Brush Prairie, wa, usa
10 posts
Thank you for your opinion. I forgot to say that we will be traveling in early July, just in case that might change the advice.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
I agree with Roy--go to Orvieto. Much closer and you won't have your kids cooped up in the car during the July heat. You can also beat the heat by touring the underground and climbing down into St. Patrick's Well.
Posted by
Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
606 posts
We were in both Orvieto and Assisi a couple of weeks ago. We all loved Orvieto much more than Assisi. Smaller, more peaceful, more beautiful.
It's worth paying the extra fee to see the last judgment frescoes in the duomo. We talked about those for days after seeing them, and I think even kids would be impressed.
Since we had a car we drove into town and stayed at Hotel Duomo right in the heart of town. It was great!
Posted by
St. Louis, MO, USA
16 posts
Patrick, can you tell us more about Hotel Duomo? My daughter and I have a reservation there for one night when we are in Orvieto.
Posted by
Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
606 posts
Heidi, we loved Hotel Duomo. Friendly staff. They parked our car for us and brought it back to us when we left, told us the easiest way to drive out of town.
The owner doesn't speak a lot of English but his daughter is always there to handle that. Great breakfast, nice patio with a view of the side of the duomo, elevator, good air conditioning in the rooms. Best I recall there were some English language channels (CNN, BBC World News) on the TV.
The hotel has a modern feel, very clean. I think it is a 3-star. I'd give it four!
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
We loved Orvieto on our last visit and hope to do Assisi on our next visit.
Orvieto has tours of underground tunnels which our kids enjoyed.